Evaluation of social psychology as a science

Social psychology is studying a wide range of complex social behavior regarding, e.g., aggression, attitudes, attribution, gender roles, group processes, health and helping behavior, intergroup relations, leadership and motivation, personality, relationships, and social influences (Richard, Bond, and Stokes-Zoota, 2003), just to name a few. It is key that “Humans are a cultural species,” as Heine and Norenzayan (2006) aptly put it.

Social Psychology as a science

According to Milgram and From (2012), a scientific theory in (social) psychology can be proven by carrying out a suitable experiment. Measurements of mental processes are required to explain why a certain behavior happens (Baumeister, Vohs, and Funder, 2007). Research methods do not only consist of quantitative, but also qualitative approaches, such as gathering detailed stories or reports of experiences from people. Often theories are difficult to reconstruct because certain variables that may have changed over time are unknown regarding their relevance to the theory. More replication work as a central issue of empirical science needs to be done to respond to the current crisis of confidence in social psychology as mentioned by Brian and David (2015).

Feasibility considerations

Because social psychology is so situational, there are many variables to control. Another challenge is to get sufficient sample sizes when correlations are searched. When relying on introspection to analyze reasons for observed behavior, people “often mislead themselves” (Baumeister, Vohs, and Funder, 2007, p. 397). When performing experiments, ethical principles require the researchers to enable participants’ informed consent, to be truthful, to protect participants from harm and discomfort, to maintain confidentiality, and to debrief participants (Myers and Twenge, 2013).

Example scientific achievement

The following research shall serve as an illustration of a systematic study of a psychological tendency over time and compare different cultural settings. The research was based on data from all over Japan using a large sample and was collected twice over time; therein lays the data and methodological strength of the analysis.

Ogihara, Uchida, and Kusumi (2016) found that elementary school pupils’ self-esteem decreased between 1999 and 2006 and they confirmed that from early school age to adults for both genders, people’s evaluations of the own self became more negative over time. This may have significant impacts on the understanding of how cultural changes and “socio-economic environment influence human psychology and behavior” (Ogihara, Uchida, and Kusumi, 2016, p.1). The fact that a (maybe too rapid) change to more individualistic culture in Japan did not lead to increased self-esteem as is the case in the United States suggests possible difficulties of Japan’s society in adapting to it (Ogihara, Uchida, and Kusumi, 2016).

Outlook

Social psychology (alone) may not be suitable to explain any social phenomenon. Social sciences, as Van Leeuwen (2013) argues, fail to proof how men and woman significantly and generally would consistently show complementary behavior. Charles (2011) is looking at the possibility of ecological psychology to offer social psychology a solution for the problem of the ‘invisible mind’ respectively the perception of intentions in social situations. It may not yet be decided whether the ability to study the direct perception of others minds has to be rejected definitively or not.

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About mathias sager

Independent researcher, artist, social entrepreneur, and leadership and strategy advisor I was born in Zurich in 1975 and grew up in Switzerland. Currently, I’m living in Tokyo. I love open-minded people everywhere and the passion to working relentlessly for developing human potential, which is an overarching theme throughout all his work. I have extensive experience in leadership and management, organizational psychology research, and learning & development practice. I have worked as a teacher, a leadership trainer, as well as a senior manager responsible for client relationships, counseling, and virtual teams around the world. Also, I’m a social entrepreneur and serving as a strategy and leadership advisor in different ways. My goal is to inspire with interdisciplinary, innovative, and cross-cultural approaches to personal and professional development for the people’s individual well-being and common good alike. Continuously learning himself and keen to help, I appreciate any questions or feedback you may have at any time. Please connect here on any social media, as well as per direct email goodthings@mathias-sager.com.

Mathias- you further prove your level of awesome in this post. I just took mythology and empirical inquiry last semester- both relate to what you are writing about. You just summed up a lot of the basics behind what I learned about research in my empirical inquiry class. I have always found people, culture, and the research behind people’s actions extremely interesting. My final paper last semester was on the possible causation of coronary artery disease from stress. The most important thing that I learned is that science is an ongoing process and nothing is even proven only disproven. This semester I am talking resolving problems – so far my first theory is that women dwell on negative comments due to the pressures of physical perfection placed on them through culture. Once again you have impressed me my new friend. I hope to interact with you more in the future

Hi Nyx:-) thank you for your great feedback. You are so right, state of science is indeed in flux, and critical thinking, as you seem to do, is necessary. Nurture (culture, education, personal development ) in fact is more important in most cases than nature

Interesting article. Well referenced. Yes, unfortunately or fortunately, ethical considerations hinder the ability of Social Psychology (and Psychology in general) to come to more definitive conclusiond. Not sure how Ecological Psychology could aid Social, but that’s intriguing.

I find Social Psych one of the most practical of the fields because of its direct applicability.

Thank for your comment. I agree, Social Psychology could contribute more (does already though) to reduce human aggression and violence, for example. What better can be achieved?:-) Please see my separate comment regarding your article. Thanks for that. All the best!